Baker County groundwater contains arsenic, chloride, and E. coli, but none of these are present at levels that exceed EPA health standards. Well owners in this county can be confident that contaminant levels remain low.
These contaminants come from natural sources in the rock beneath the county and from saltwater intrusion near coastal areas. The Floridan aquifer system here is naturally susceptible to saltwater mixing, which raises chloride levels, while arsenic occurs naturally in the rock itself. E. coli appears at low levels, likely from surface water seeping down through soil layers during heavy rain.
Groundwater in Baker County is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium dissolved from the limestone and rock layers below. This hardness is typical across wells throughout the county as water passes through these mineral-rich layers. Iron and sulfate levels remain low, so the water has no strong smell or discoloration from these minerals.
Wells in Baker County show no contaminants exceeding EPA health standards. However, arsenic, chloride, and bacteria have been detected in county wells and warrant attention. Arsenic can damage organs over time and increase cancer risk. Bacteria like E. coli cause serious illness. Chloride at elevated levels can affect people with heart or kidney problems.
The moderate hardness in Baker County wells creates practical challenges. Hard water leaves white scale buildup on fixtures and inside pipes. It reduces the cleaning power of soap and can shorten the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers. You may notice spots on dishes or reduced water pressure from mineral deposits.
We recommend testing your well to find out exactly what is in your water. Your well may have higher or lower levels than what is common in the county. Testing is the only way to know if treatment is needed. A comprehensive panel costs between $200 and $400 and can detect metals, minerals, and bacteria. Water softeners or filters can address hardness and other concerns based on your results.
| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 37 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Sulfate | 41 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Nitrite | 33 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Manganese | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Lead | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Chloride | 50 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Iron | 39 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Radon | 8 | 0% | Low | Low ⓘ | |
| Uranium | 26 | 0% | Moderate | Low | |
| Hardness | 41 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| pH | 47 | — | Moderate | Low | |
| Sodium | 41 | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
* Microbial contaminants (E. coli, coliform) reflect only samples from the last 10 years.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
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